4 Min Read Posted on October 7, 2025October 8, 2025 Residents’ Rights Month 2025: Standing for Dignity in Long-Term Care October is Residents’ Rights Month, a time to recognize and support people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. This year’s theme, “Stand With Me,” highlights the importance of walking alongside residents as they speak up for their dignity and rights. It’s a reminder that everyone — families, staff, and advocates — plays a role in protecting those who depend on long-term care. Residents’ Rights Month was first proposed in 1981 when nursing home residents at a Consumer Voice meeting suggested dedicating time each year to recognize their rights and experiences. These clearly defined rights help prevent nursing home abuse and neglect. In 2011, the event was expanded to a whole month. This year, Consumer Voice, founded in 1975, celebrates its 50th anniversary. For five decades, the organization has worked to ensure that every person living in long-term care is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. What Are Residents’ Rights in Nursing Homes? Nursing home residents’ rights protect people living in long-term care and help ensure they are treated properly. These rights define what residents are entitled to and how facilities must uphold their safety and well-being. Every nursing home and long-term care resident is entitled to essential rights. Understanding these rights can help stop nursing home neglect and abuse before it starts. Learn more about nursing home resident rights below. Right to a Dignified Existence Every resident has the right to live with dignity and respect, free from discrimination. Regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, all residents deserve equal care in a safe environment. This includes the right to privacy in medical, personal, and financial matters. Right to Self-Determination Self-determination means residents can make choices based on their own preferences and needs. Facilities must accommodate those choices and offer options for activities, schedules, care, and medical providers. Right to Be Fully Informed Residents are entitled to clear information about their care, including the risks and benefits of treatments or procedures. Any changes to care plans, room assignments, or facility policies must be communicated in advance and in a language the resident understands. Right to Raise Grievances Residents have the right to voice complaints about the care they receive. Facilities must listen and respond without retaliation. Concerns can also be raised with the long-term care ombudsman program, which works to resolve issues and protect residents’ rights. Right to Access Residents have the right to access their medical records, attend religious and social activities, and receive accommodations for hearing or vision needs. If you believe your loved one’s rights have been violated, the Nursing Home Abuse Center may be able to help. Call (855) 264-6310 now to speak with a trained patient advocate. How You Can Support and Advocate for Residents in 2025 Taking part in Residents’ Rights Month is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and support people living in long-term care facilities. Whether you have a loved one in a nursing home or care about the issue, there are meaningful ways to participate throughout October. Here are a few ideas for participating throughout October: Contact your local government and encourage them to recognize October as Residents’ Rights Month. States like Georgia, Idaho, and Illinois have previously supported efforts to highlight nursing home residents’ rights during this time. Coordinate with local schools to develop educational programs. Involving young people in visiting nursing homes can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation among residents. Create a residents’ rights bulletin board in a local care facility to remind residents and staff of key protections. Organize art or writing projects inspired by this year’s theme, Stand With Me. Residents can submit their work to the Residents’ Voice Challenge, hosted by Consumer Voice. Plan regular visits or letter-writing campaigns to brighten residents’ days and reduce feelings of isolation. Remember, your help can ensure that residents receive the care they deserve. Any effort helps spread awareness to prevent all types of nursing home abuse. Taking Action Against Nursing Home Abuse While spreading awareness about nursing home rights is important, taking immediate action is crucial if you suspect abuse or neglect. The first step in addressing nursing home abuse is recognizing the signs. Early detection can help ensure that residents receive the protection and care they deserve. Recognizing the Signs of Abuse There are various types of nursing home abuse, each with its own red flags to watch for. In general, signs of abuse include noticeable changes in mood or behavior, as well as visible tension between the resident and their caregiver. These are common signs of nursing home abuse: Physical Abuse Broken personal objects, like eyeglasses, which may indicate abuse Unexplained injuries, including bruises, broken bones, or sensitivity to touch Emotional Abuse Unusual behavior, including mumbling, rocking, or withdrawal from social interaction Witnessing controlling, threatening, or belittling behavior from a caregiver Sexual Abuse Blood on clothing or bedding Unexplained bruising or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Financial Abuse Unfamiliar documents suggesting the resident was pressured to make changes Suspicious withdrawals or unexpected changes to the resident’s accounts If you witness these or similar warning signs of abuse in a resident, it’s vital that you take action as soon as possible. Learn how and where to report abuse below. Reporting Abuse & Neglect You should report nursing home abuse without delay if you suspect it may be happening. If the resident is in immediate danger, call 911. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you can contact these resources for help: Adult Protective Services (APS) in your county Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-677-1116 Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline: 1-800-231-4024 National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): 1-855-500-3537 After reporting, it may also help to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. An experienced legal professional can review your case and help you understand your family’s rights. Protecting Nursing Home Residents and Their Rights If you suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home, taking legal action can help hold the facility accountable and prevent future harm. Our trusted legal partners can review your situation and explain your options for pursuing justice and compensation. The Nursing Home Abuse Center is here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way. Call us right now at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review to find out how we may be able to help.